Abortion bill close to clearing the House

AUSTIN — House Republicans tentatively passed one of the nation's most stringent packages of abortion restrictions Tuesday.

The Texas House voted to give initial OK to House Bill 2, a proposal that would ban abortion at 20 weeks and impose stricter standards for clinics. Critics of the bill say the added burden would cause the majority of providers in Texas to close.

“Now is not the time to play political football with women's health,” said Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, the sole Republican to vote against the bill. “Abortion is a terrible way to end a pregnancy, but it is a constitutionally protected right,” Davis said.

A final House vote is set to take place Wednesday. The Senate is expected to take up the measure early next week.

Impassioned debate preceded the vote Tuesday, including heated standoffs between lawmakers and graphic testimony from both sides of the aisle.

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson used props to describe “back alley” abortions, which she says women will be forced into if the bill passes.

The bill's author Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, said her goal was to stop abortion after 20 weeks, “based on the pain, based on the science and technology we have now.” She does not believe new standards for clinics will force them to close.

Abortion-rights advocates chant outside the House chamber after state representatives voted 98-49 to give the initial OK to House Bill 2, which would ban abortion at 20 weeks and impose stricter standards for clinics. less

Abortion-rights advocates chant outside the House chamber after state representatives voted 98-49 to give the initial OK to House Bill 2, which would ban abortion at 20 weeks and impose stricter standards for ... more

Photo: Photos By Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

Photo: Photos By Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News

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Abortion-rights advocates chant outside the House chamber after state representatives voted 98-49 to give the initial OK to House Bill 2, which would ban abortion at 20 weeks and impose stricter standards for clinics. less

Abortion-rights advocates chant outside the House chamber after state representatives voted 98-49 to give the initial OK to House Bill 2, which would ban abortion at 20 weeks and impose stricter standards for ... more